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01-10-2013 | Paediatric Neuroradiology

Effects of chemotherapy on the brain in childhood: diffusion tensor imaging of subtle white matter damage

Authors: Shigemi Morioka, Masafumi Morimoto, Kei Yamada, Tatsuji Hasegawa, Takashi Morita, Masaharu Moroto, Kenichi Isoda, Tomohiro Chiyonobu, Toshihiko Imamura, Akira Nishimura, Akira Morimoto, Hajime Hosoi

Published in: Neuroradiology | Issue 10/2013

Abstract

Introduction

With reducing mortality in children with hematological malignancies, the survivors' quality of life regarding development of chronic neurological disturbances is important. We aimed to determine whether chemotherapy affects white matter (WM).

Methods

Using brain diffusion tensor imaging, we evaluated 17 patients (15 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 2 with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; 9 male, 8 female; age, 1.6–13 years) before and after chemotherapy. We measured the quantitative values of fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) at the regions of interest (ROIs) such as periventricular WM, corona radiata, posterior limb of the internal capsule, and corpus callosum. We assessed sensorimotor and callosal tracts by tractography.

Results

Reduction in FA and increase in ADC were significant at the ROIs of the left and right anterior periventricular WM and corona radiata and at the tract passing through the genu. A significant reduction in FA with a nonsignificant increase in ADC was seen at the ROI of the genu and at the tracts passing through the body and isthmus.

Conclusion

Chemotherapy in children with hematological malignancies predominantly affects the frontal WM. This finding might indicate a negative effect of chemotherapy on neurological development in children with hematological malignancies.

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Title: Effects of chemotherapy on the brain in childhood: diffusion tensor imaging of subtle white matter damage
Authors: Shigemi Morioka
Masafumi Morimoto
Kei Yamada
Tatsuji Hasegawa
Takashi Morita
Masaharu Moroto
Kenichi Isoda
Tomohiro Chiyonobu
Toshihiko Imamura
Akira Nishimura
Akira Morimoto
Hajime Hosoi
Publication date: 01-10-2013
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Neuroradiology / Issue 10/2013
Print ISSN: 0028-3940
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1920
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-013-1245-7

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Effects of chemotherapy on the brain in childhood: diffusion tensor imaging of subtle white matter damage

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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